Despite not sensing any imminent danger, Yu Lingzhou remained vigilant and decided to place Qing Muling under the heavy protection of the female immortals, while she herself took on the task of scouting ahead.
The once grand main gate archway had collapsed, its original form unrecognizable, and the guardian beasts that once stood there had withered away. At the end of the broad avenue, which spanned more than ten miles, were thousands of steps constructed from unidentified jade crystal bricks. Despite the severe dilapidation, one could still discern the former glory and splendor of the place.
Most of the palace buildings inside were in ruins, their scattered bricks and tiles faintly glowing with spiritual light. Amidst the aura of ancient times, a faint majesty lingered, and occasionally, one could find still-functioning, albeit damaged, array formations.
Yueyi Heavenly Lord pondered thoughtfully. If this had been Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace in the past, they would have certainly cleared out these ruins, recycling all the materials—a considerable fortune. But now, with the sect’s wealth rapidly expanding, the higher-ups likely wouldn’t even glance at such benefits.
As they delved deeper into the ruins, they found more and more high-quality materials. For example, in front of the ruins of a great hall, there were six giant cauldrons, each about three meters tall, lined up on the jade stone steps, astonishingly made from Gold Crow Star Dust Sand. This was one of the main materials used for crafting high-grade defensive treasures in The Great Void, and was also partially used in the creation of supreme treasures.
“This is too wasteful, it’s simply…”
Yu Lingzhou, skilled in artifact refinement, shook her head in disbelief, unable to bear the waste. She then instructed the elders to collect any materials that could be used to craft high-grade treasures, as well as any spirit ore materials not found in The Great Void, and bring them back.
In a vast square spanning tens of thousands of acres, Qing Muling witnessed an expected scene.
Countless cultivator corpses lay scattered in disarray. Due to the passage of time, their flesh had long decayed, and the treasures and weapons they carried were also in disrepair, barely recognizable as human forms.
Signs of destruction from powerful divine abilities, treasures, and sword qi were everywhere—the wide craters spanning dozens of miles; the pitch-black fissures hundreds of miles long and bottomless, with sharp sword intent still lingering at the edges; and the massive vertical shafts, square and hundreds of meters deep, with walls as smooth as mirrors, clearly made by some kind of seal-type treasure. The surrounding palace buildings had been affected, leaving few remnants of walls and ruins.
Analyzing the styles of the tattered clothing, it seemed that the cultivators involved in the slaughter belonged to three factions, and they were evenly matched, leading to their mutual demise here. Perhaps there were survivors who fled afterward but didn’t have time to collect the bodies of their fellow sect members.
“What a pity, why couldn’t they have left something behind?”
Yu Lingzhou’s powerful spiritual sense swept across the entire square, turning the charred skeletons, clothing, and fragments of treasures into dust, leaving nothing intact.
Qing Muling chuckled, “It’s been too long. If anything had remained intact until now, it would have to be at least of the Postnatal Spirit Treasure level.”
Yu Lingzhou nodded, “Indeed, let’s continue deeper. I refuse to believe that such a vast relic has nothing valuable left!”
So, the group of women continued on, passing through numerous vast palace ruins and collecting various rare materials. They also encountered several battlefields where cultivators had perished, the total number of damaged corpses exceeding half a million, and their cultivation levels were generally not low.
Moments later, as Qing Muling, surrounded by the women, passed through an exceptionally grand gate, he finally discovered something different.
…
At Imperial Dao Peak, within the Supreme Sect Master’s abode.
Qinghuan Emperor was no longer present, only Xinyu Emperor, accompanied by Mu Yinghua and a few core elders who stayed behind, were entertaining a sudden visit from a distinguished guest, the Supreme Sect Master of the Goddess Sect: Tongying Emperor.
Among the many Supreme Dao Lineages, top sects, and super clans of The Great Void, the cultivation levels of the heads of these families were mostly at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level, with Great Golden Immortal-level powerhouses being rare, and Quasi Holy Emperors even rarer.
Tongying Emperor’s ability to achieve Quasi Holy status a hundred years ago was said to be greatly aided by Qinghuan Emperor. After all, she was once a saintess from the Goddess Sect before leaving due to various reasons to join the Dao Court, where she obtained great opportunities and ultimately achieved Quasi Holy status, establishing her own lineage.
Thus, even now, the Goddess Sect remained one of Qinghuan Emperor’s staunchest supporters, with a relationship far closer than any other strategic ally.
With two Quasi Holy Emperors, both at their peak, standing behind the Goddess Sect, the influence of the entire sect had risen sharply, now on par with the likes of the Ji family’s cultivators, Calamity Fate Palace, and Great Brahma Temple, some of the old Supreme Dao Lineages.
“…Sister, what brings you to visit today?”
Mu Yinghua’s beautiful face carried a faint smile as her eyes turned to the stunning beauty sitting across from her.
Her face was as beautiful as a blooming peony, her eyes clear and bright. Underneath her embroidered dragon and phoenix gown, her curves were exceptionally full and round, exuding a unique authority that even the extravagant dress couldn’t conceal. One could hardly imagine the visual impact if she were undressed.
“Of course, aside from cultivation, I am confident that I am not inferior to her in any aspect. Moreover, the female cultivators of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace are just as talented and beautiful as those of the Goddess Sect.”
Tongying Emperor smiled lightly, her voice cool and elegant like water, “Our two families have been close allies for many years, and it’s only right that we visit each other often. Hmm, I’ve come to ask for a favor this time.”
Mu Yinghua nodded, “Speak freely, sister.”
With the calamity of the Magic Clan yet to be quelled and the Misty Illusion Secret Realm reopening, disciples from all families were busy entering the secret realm in search of opportunities. Tongying Emperor, instead of presiding over her sect’s Main Altar, had come to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace with a significant entourage, her intentions clear without asking.
Tongying Emperor nodded slightly, “In the past period, your sect has expended a lot in resisting the invasion of the Magic Clan progeny. I’ve heard that you’re about to select a large number of new blood to replenish your core disciples, which must be straining your finances. So… I was thinking of supporting Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace with some resources. After all, we’ve been allies for so many years, and it’s only right that we help and support each other. What do you think, sister?”
In the past nearly ten thousand years, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had often borrowed from ally sects due to financial difficulties, with the Goddess Sect being one of them. And Tongying Emperor had always been supportive, never imposing harsh conditions.
To be fair, Mu Yinghua was quite grateful to Tongying Emperor, but it was the first time she had taken the initiative to offer help.
With the vast resources from the Misty Illusion Secret Realm, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was certainly not short of money now, but this secret could not be revealed to outsiders. It was unlikely that Qinghuan Emperor would disclose even a word to the Goddess Sect.
Mu Yinghua’s brows raised slightly, her smile undiminished, “Since it’s sister’s kind offer, I have no reason to refuse. But what does sister seek from Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace?”
No one offers favors without an ulterior motive.
Although this saying might be inappropriate for the Goddess Sect, given the previously good relationship between the two, it didn’t mean that Tongying Emperor had no other intentions.
“Sister, you might as well look at the list first.”
Tongying Emperor handed Mu Yinghua a jade slip, which listed hundreds of required resources. At the top was two billion top-grade spirit crystals, followed by pills, talismans, treasures, and other special resources for female cultivators, all in large quantities.
Even for the wealthy Goddess Sect, this was a generous offer, and even a Quasi Holy Emperor would have to weigh the decision carefully.
“It’s rare for sister to be so thoughtful,”
Mu Yinghua mused after reading the list, “But one shouldn’t accept rewards without merit. What is sister’s intention? Please be frank, or I dare not accept this generous gift.”
“Actually, it’s a good thing for your sect,”
Tongying Emperor’s eyes shimmered as she finally revealed her purpose, “My most valued disciple, Qingchan Fairy, has recently broken through to the Xuan Immortal realm. The divine abilities of her main cultivation technique require a Dao Companion with exceptional talent to achieve Great Perfection. So, I was thinking, how about having your Qing Muling marry her? This would bring our two families even closer!”
Mu Yinghua: “……”